Today, although it is rarely aired on television and rarely screened at cinemas, 12 Angry Men is an excellent film that highlights many of the faults in modern filmmaking (even in modern culture).
The strengths of the film are tremendous performances and a meaningful script. Henry Fonda’s Juror #8 is clear-headed and well-spoken, using salient logical points to make his argument. Other Jurors have superficial biases or deeper internal conflicts and are gradually won over due to a sensible line of reasoning. Thanks to the individual actors, the viewer can see how each member of the jury must deliberate within themselves before the group can render a verdict.
Writer Reginald Rose wrote a compelling script with many intense dialogues between different characters. Questions range from the basic facts to more complicated moral issues. Director Sidney Lumet employs a number of tight-angle shots to show the tension on the jurors’ faces. If remade today, the film would likely fail since it requires the audience to pay attention for more than ninety minutes. The contributions of the actors, Rose, and Lumet make the 1957 film a joy to watch.
Unfortunately, modern media doesn’t have the patience to create an urbane piece of art. Movies and television are repetitive; most films seem to share the same screenplay and reality shows have replaced significant programs. 12 Angry Men – like other older films – is simple but sophisticated. There should always be incentive for artists to take the high road and improve popular culture. ***½